The role of regular engagement with non-companion animals and proximity to green and blue space for mental health, wellbeing, and loneliness during Covid-19 social distancing measures : findings from a UK survey study

Context: The Covid-19 pandemic led to increased use of green/blue space as indoor spaces became frequently inaccessible. These changes impacted the direct interactions between humans and nature. Aims: To investigate the links between mental health, loneliness, wellbeing, and interaction with non-companion animals, proximity to and use of green/blue space. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey of adult UK residents was conducted between April and June 2020. The questionnaire included validated and bespoke items measuring demographics and exposures and outcomes related to mental health, wellbeing, loneliness, human-animal interactions with non-companion animals (wildlife/farm animals), and proximity to and use of green/blue space before and since the first UK Covid-19 lockdown. Key results: Of 5,926 participants, 4,408 (74.4%) reported interacting with non-companion animals at least every other day. Frequent engagement with non-companion animals was significantly associated with smaller decreases in mental health scores (b = .131, 95% CI [.007 – .256], p =.038) and smaller increases in loneliness scores (b = -.135, 95% CI [-.241 – .030], p = .012). Just under half (48.4%, n=2,867) reported living directly next to a green/blue space, and over half (52.3%; n=3,097) reported using such space at least every day since lockdown. Regular use of green/blue space since lockdown was significantly associated with higher mental health (b = .154, 95% CI [.037 – .272], p = .010), lower loneliness (b = -.334, 95% CI [-.430 – -.238], p =.001), and higher wellbeing (b = .810, 95% CI [.572 – 1.047], p = .001). Closer proximity to such space was significantly associated with lower loneliness scores (b = -.224, 95% CI [-.319 - -.130], p = .001), and higher wellbeing scores (b = .632, 95% CI [.319 - .873], p =.001). Conclusion: The multi-faceted human-nature relationship may promote key human health benefits in the context of the lockdown. Implications: These findings highlight the importance of green/blue space and the human-animal relationship, and how they might play a critical role in maintaining people’s mental health within a pandemic context. Further targeted investigations relating to these areas and links with human health, are important within both pandemic and non-pandemic contexts.